Common Language
All organizations →
Why Is Ann Arbor Pride in August? The Answer Might Surprise You
When Jadein Black books headliners for Ann Arbor Pride, she's not just thinking about who will draw the biggest crowds. As both a full-time teacher and the [...]Read more about Why Is Ann Arbor Pride in August? The Answer Might Surprise You
How the Road to Federal Marriage Equality Ran Through Michigan
When Keith Orr first introduced Martin Contreras as his husband at the neighborhood gay bar they owned together during Sunday brunch in March 2014, he paused [...]Read more about How the Road to Federal Marriage Equality Ran Through Michigan
With Uplift, a New LGBTQ+ Anchor Returns to Ann Arbor at Just the Right Time
Before moving to Ann Arbor for grad school, I worked as an urban planner, where the concept of a “community anchor” was central to my work. In urban planning, a [...]Read more about With Uplift, a New LGBTQ+ Anchor Returns to Ann Arbor at Just the Right Time
Don't Overlook Progressive Judge Candidates Like Kerene Moore on Your 2024 Election Ballot: These Key Figures Are Critical for LGBTQ+ Rights
Ahead of the 2024 general election, Pride Source asked community leaders to weigh in on the important issues facing the Michigan LGBTQ+ community. Keith Orr, [...]Read more about Don't Overlook Progressive Judge Candidates Like Kerene Moore on Your 2024 Election Ballot: These Key Figures Are Critical for LGBTQ+ Rights
Walk in the (Fabulous) Shoes of Local Queer Trailblazers
Fun, meaningful — and free — fall travel doesn’t have to mean trekking far from home. The Ann Arbor District Library invites you to walk in the shoes of the [...]Read more about Walk in the (Fabulous) Shoes of Local Queer Trailblazers
Braun Court Redevelopment Plan Announced
In a move that feels like the true end of an era, a real estate developer that has been buying up Ann Arbor's Braun Court properties for several years has [...]Read more about Braun Court Redevelopment Plan Announced
Driving Mother Knickers: Recalling My Special Friendship with Charles Alexander
Every night the call would come. “Any gossip?” he would ask. Sadly, there wasn’t usually much worth mentioning since we’d spoken just the day before and neither [...]Read more about Driving Mother Knickers: Recalling My Special Friendship with Charles Alexander
LGBTQ+ Books Helped Me Come Out and Banning Them Won’t Stop Today’s Youth From Being Who They Are
Books by and for LGBTQ+ people, and in particular LGBTQ+ youth, are under attack across the country. In states such as Texas, a single parent need only complain [...]Read more about LGBTQ+ Books Helped Me Come Out and Banning Them Won’t Stop Today’s Youth From Being Who They Are
Remembering Aut Bar: How the Iconic Ann Arbor Bar Brought a Community of LGBTQ+ People Together
Twenty two years ago, Ann Arbor resident Debra Miller came out at age 44 after a long marriage. The first LGBTQ+ space she went to was the Aut Bar. "When I [...]Read more about Remembering Aut Bar: How the Iconic Ann Arbor Bar Brought a Community of LGBTQ+ People Together
Jim Toy Community Center Announces Closure of its Physical Office Space, Launches GoFundMe Campaign
ANN ARBOR — Today the Jim Toy Community Center announced plans to close its physical office space, located at 319 Braun Court, at the end of the month. The [...]Read more about Jim Toy Community Center Announces Closure of its Physical Office Space, Launches GoFundMe Campaign
Ann Arbor's Aut Bar Announces Closure
The Aut Bar in Ann Arbor has become the latest victim of the novel coronavirus. In a statement, the BarStar Group, which purchased the restaurant and bar just [...]Read more about Ann Arbor's Aut Bar Announces Closure
Aut Bar Sold
Owners Martin Contreras and Keith Orr recently announced the sale of Aut Bar, the popular LGBT owned restaurant and bar in Ann Arbor's Braun Court. Aut Bar [...]Read more about Aut Bar Sold
Closing Party for Common Language Revives Years of Memories
It was Winnie the Pooh, with an assist from author A.A. Milne, who said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." Such was the [...]Read more about Closing Party for Common Language Revives Years of Memories
LezRead Book Club Fosters Friendship through Queer Literature
The Jim Toy Community Center's Lesbian Book Club LezRead provides more than just an opportunity to read and discuss queer literature. Over the past 16 years, [...]Read more about LezRead Book Club Fosters Friendship through Queer Literature
BTL to Host Final Farewell Party for Common Language Bookstore Dec. 15
After 27 years as a beacon for those in Ann Arbor's and Southeast Michigan's LGBTQ community, Common Language Bookstore will be forced to close its doors one [...]Read more about BTL to Host Final Farewell Party for Common Language Bookstore Dec. 15
Common Language Bookstore to Close
They held out as long as they could. Keith Orr and Martin Contreras, owners of Common Language Bookstore in Ann Arbor, recently announced that they plan to [...]Read more about Common Language Bookstore to Close
Author of LGBTQ, Disability Novel at Common Language Bookstore
On Saturday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. Bill Mathis, author of "Face Your Fears," a novel that deals with disability, the LGBTQ community and family, will be at the [...]Read more about Author of LGBTQ, Disability Novel at Common Language Bookstore
Dazzling Event Celebrates BTL's 25th Anniversary
DETROIT – Between The Lines celebrated 25 years of continuous publication at a gala party June 8. Over 250 people attended – advertisers, writers, current and [...]Read more about Dazzling Event Celebrates BTL's 25th Anniversary
October 2006 highlights
She/he said "I don't understand why you want to know [if I'm gay]. I don't understand why it's any of your business. At some point, [the question] becomes [...]Read more about October 2006 highlights
WRAP celebrates ten years
By Dawn Wolfe Gutterman ANN ARBOR – On April 9, Ann Arbor's Washtenaw Rainbow Action Project celebrated ten years of service to the community at a benefit [...]Read more about WRAP celebrates ten years
Parting Glances: Phantoms of my opera
I've had oddball coincidences shaking up my go-for-the-gusto, once-around-only, skeptic's life — so much so I'm wondering if there isn't a Cosmic Joker trying [...]Read more about Parting Glances: Phantoms of my opera
Renegotiation: tractors, dogs and televisions, oh my!
Compromise is an important part of any relationship and when two people move in together their compromising skills are often put to the test. Whether it's her [...]Read more about Renegotiation: tractors, dogs and televisions, oh my!
Calendar
Thu/Mar 17 Step Across This Line: An Evening with Salman Rushdie, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Ticket Price: $20; tickets are free to MSU students, faculty and staff [...]Read more about Calendar
Gay Bar Vandalized in Ann Arbor
Aut Bar in Ann Arbor's Braun Court was vandalized last night. Photo courtesy of Keith Orr, co-owner of Aut Bar Keith Orr, co-owner of the Aut Bar, posted a [...]Read more about Gay Bar Vandalized in Ann Arbor
aut BAR, an LGBTQ Safe Space, Vandalized in Ann Arbor
A photo of the vandalism at Aut Bar in Ann Arbor on the morning of Aug. 25. Photo courtesy of the bar's co-owner Keith Orr Keith Orr, co-owner of the aut BAR, [...]Read more about aut BAR, an LGBTQ Safe Space, Vandalized in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor OUTFest Marks 23 Years
BY DARIUS OSBORNE Photo courtesy of Jim Toy Community Center Ann Arbor is not only known for its world-renowned University of Michigan, but for its impeccable [...]Read more about Ann Arbor OUTFest Marks 23 Years
Celebrate Author Stephanie Heit
Stephanie Heit is a poet, dancer, and teacher of somatic writing, contemplative dance practice, and kundalini yoga. She lives with bipolar disorder and is a [...]Read more about Celebrate Author Stephanie Heit
Jim Toy Turns 87, Reflects on a Lifetime of Activism
His self-edited bio reads that he's originally from New York. It's a line that's partially true at best. "I was born in New York in Manhattan and my mother [...]Read more about Jim Toy Turns 87, Reflects on a Lifetime of Activism
Upcoming Author Reading Will Introduce Exciting New 40s Gay Detective
By Keith Orr I discovered Agatha Christie in the sixth grade. A friend's parents had an enormous library which included about 60 of Christie's mysteries. The [...]Read more about Upcoming Author Reading Will Introduce Exciting New 40s Gay Detective
Common Language Bookstore Book Launch
ANN ARBOR – Petra Kuppers will be appearing at Common Language Bookstore for a book launch party on July 20 at 6 p.m. The aut BAR will provide wine, [...]Read more about Common Language Bookstore Book Launch
A Year After Marriage Equality, LGBT Community Poised For More Activism
BY AJ TRAGER "No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a [...]Read more about A Year After Marriage Equality, LGBT Community Poised For More Activism
Unity, Defiance In The Face of Terror, Hate
123456 As news of the horror in Orlando filtered out Sunday, activists across the state and the country organized impromptu vigils to mourn and to stand [...]Read more about Unity, Defiance In The Face of Terror, Hate
Fire Rick Snyder
By Keith Orr The petitions are out on the streets. We have a chance to fire our governor. A 2012 Michigan law regulating recall petitions created more layers [...]Read more about Fire Rick Snyder
LGBT Bookstore in Ann Arbor to Hold Fundraiser
Common Language Bookstore, one of the last remaining LGBT and feminist-identified bookstores in both the United States and Canada, is hosting a fundraiser [...]Read more about LGBT Bookstore in Ann Arbor to Hold Fundraiser
LGBTQ Culture in the Ann Arbor Area
Ann Arbor and its surrounding areas are known as inclusive and celebratory when it comes to the LGBTQ community. With a long and storied history in regards to [...]Read more about LGBTQ Culture in the Ann Arbor Area
State Notable Book Award in Hot Water
BY AJ TRAGER LANSING – In over 20 years of operation, the Notable Book Award, an annual award given out by the Library of Michigan for works focusing on [...]Read more about State Notable Book Award in Hot Water
Bookmarks
By Keith Orr The holidays are upon us. In the fast-paced world we live in, we make time to get together with friends. We share stories of the year, good food [...]Read more about Bookmarks
Batty Bwoy' Author To Appear At Common Language
BY KEITH ORR In Jamaica, being gay is a death sentence. "Boom bye bye inna batty bwoy head" (gun shot to gay men) has replaced the country's motto "Out of [...]Read more about Batty Bwoy' Author To Appear At Common Language
JTCC To Host 2015 Washtenaw County Pride Picnic
BY BTL STAFF ANN ARBOR – The Jim Toy Community Center will host the 2015 Washtenaw County Pride Picnic from noon to 3 p.m. on Aug. 1 in Allmendinger Park, [...]Read more about JTCC To Host 2015 Washtenaw County Pride Picnic
Bookmarks: National Poetry Month
By Keith Orr Editor's Note: As we wrap up National Poetry Month, Keith Orr (owner of Ann Arbor's Common Language Bookstore) offers insight into the importance [...]Read more about Bookmarks: National Poetry Month
Best Books Of 2014
By Common Language Staff Best-of lists are ultimately personal choices. Part of our bias is for local authors, and we have three on our list for 2014 – the [...]Read more about Best Books Of 2014
Wine And Win At HARC's Annual Wine Cellar Raffle And Fundraiser
By BTL Staff The HIV/AIDS Resource Center (HARC) will hold its 11th Annual Wine Cellar event this November. The event, which features a raffle, silent auction [...]Read more about Wine And Win At HARC's Annual Wine Cellar Raffle And Fundraiser
The Accidental Activists Of Ann Arbor's Homoplex
By AJ Trager Linda Lombardini, Sandi Smith, Martin Contreras and Keith Orr before Braun Court one day before the 20th Annual OutFest. Photo by AJ Trager ANN [...]Read more about The Accidental Activists Of Ann Arbor's Homoplex
Known Homosexuals' I Love
A picture of the late Barbara Gittings has been in my collection of top five favorite photos for decades. You can find a snap of it in this issue of BTL on [...]Read more about Known Homosexuals' I Love
Mark Schauer Comes To Braun Court
By BTL Staff Braun Court. ANN ARBOR – Mark Schauer, Democratic candidate for the Michigan Governor's race, takes his campaign to /aut/BAR in a fundraising and [...]Read more about Mark Schauer Comes To Braun Court
Michigan Same Sex Couples Demand Respect And Equal Treatment
ACLU Attorney Jay Kaplan outlines the lawsuit brought on behalf of eight Michigan couples , asking the court for a declaratory judgment that Gov. Snyder's [...]Read more about Michigan Same Sex Couples Demand Respect And Equal Treatment
HIV/AIDS Prevention Options
HIV prevention has become a twisted mire of ideas and science. But most of the LGBT community has heard only one clear message about preventing HIV: use a [...]Read more about HIV/AIDS Prevention Options
